One Awards supports Adult Learners Week

One Awards is a proud supporter of Adult Learners Week and this year a sponsor of the Employer Award Northern Region won by The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) Cullercoats.

This year over 1200 nominations were received for the Adult Learners’ Week Awards. The winners were selected through a process that involved short listing and selection panels. The RNLI were selected as a winner in this region because their nomination demonstrated a real commitment to learning and training/development in order to provide a highly valued community service.

Part of a national charity, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)’s Cullercoats station is committed to training its voluntary lifeboat crew in order to save lives at sea.

The wealth of experience and skills held within the existing volunteer crew members and management is passed on first hand with practical and theoretical training sessions twice weekly to those who live close enough to assist the lifeboat in an emergency.

The training programme at the Cullercoats station encompasses not only the practical skills to run the lifeboat station and to manage the equipment, but also includes elements designed to reach out to the community. This enables the volunteers to make quick decisions in life threatening situations. The training has attracted participants from a wide variety of professions including fire-fighters, paramedics and teachers.

Nominator Kay Heslop recalls that since her daughter joined the programme, despite experiencing some initial opposition from her peers, her confidence has improved; she has also become more independent and keener to reach out to the community.

Kay said: “I know that the training is successful as I have seen correspondence sent to the station, often with donations, thanking the crew for their dedication to duty and for saving family members who would not have been here today without the service.”

An RNLI learner stated: “I have the Cullercoats crew to thank for their belief in me and their robust and regular learning experiences. I view the Cullercoats RNLI team as my extended family. They are committed and courageous as well as supportive and encouraging.”

The representatives from RNLI Cullercoats were presented with their award by Louise Morritt, Chief Executive One Awards at a celebratory event held in Leeds on Friday 5 June.

For more information on Adult Learners Week and the Festival of Learning please visit www.alw.org.uk